Parade Crowd May Never Forget Elephant

July 14, 1991|By EDWIN SALAZAR; Courant Staff Writer

EAST HAMPTON -- An elephant and a former Democratic governor were the most popular participants in Saturday's 13th annual Old Home Day Parade.

Former Gov. William A. O'Neill, who has led each of the previous parades, again led a colorful and noisy stream of bands and floats in what organizers believe is the largest parade in Middlesex County.

The parade began at East Hampton High School, rolled along Route 66 and curled toward the center of town 2 miles away.

The former governor received the loudest cheers at town center where most of the 5,000 spectators had gathered.

But charming the crowd from beginning to humorous end was a baby elephant taking part to promote Allen C. Hill's Great American Circus, which is coming to town.

The elephant, a member of the big top's elephant kindergarten, fascinated the crowd with its long trunk and its ability to keep up with the march.

"We like the parade because of the variety of floats," said Margaret Wilcox of Glastonbury. "That elephant was great."

While most parades celebrate historic events, this one, always held on the second Saturday in July, celebrates the town and its people. People with ties to East Hampton come from throughout the country for a three-day festival that begins during the week.

Tina Callis, who is in the Navy, drove 10 hours from Norfolk, Va., where she is stationed, to spend the weekend with her family. She said she was heading back Sunday morning.

"It's sad that it's over so fast," she said. "I wish I could stay here longer."

The parade's theme this year was Desert Storm and it welcomed home some of the 64 men and women from East Hampton who had returned from the Persian Gulf. The theme colors were red, white and blue.

"I'm still amazed at the amount of support and attention we're getting," said Sgt. Joe Costello who marched with about 20 members of the 344th Military Police Company, from New Haven. "I just can't

say enough to show our appreciation, and I'm speaking for everybody." The rest of the military men and women are still in the Persian Gulf, organizers said.

"I'm just overwhelmed," said longtime resident Jane Robida, who shook her fists with excitement. "They're back safe and sound. We're very proud of them."

The floats and marchers, more than 110 units in all, were showered with more than good cheer.

Rain fell just before 11 a.m. when the parade was scheduled to begin. It fell throughout the march.

"Rain doesn't dampen anything," said Ben Paradis, a Cub Scout leaderwho led East Hampton's Pack 8 in its first march. "They're doing it under a more difficult situation, which makes it more challenging." Cub Scout Matt Sims, 7, agreed.